Donald Selamolela, Director Youth Development Directorate at the Office of the Premierwas named best Youth Developer at the recent South African Men’s Awards in Gauteng.
The Awards are an annual, national campaign that serves as a continuous collaborative between the Gauteng Department of Social Development, other government constituencies and the non-profit organisational sector. It acknowledges honourable men who are preserving human dignity, recognised the value of good character above reputable achievements, men who have triumphed mediocrity for the betterment of their communities.
Selamolela, who beat his eight provincial counterparts, described the award as a penultimate point of his contribution to youth development. “I have been a youth development practitioner for more than a decade and I have never won any award. This is my first and I am happy to have won it. I have never participated in any awards and I think this is the greatest height one could reach. I dedicate the award to the young people of this province because I was nominated by them,” he said.
As a passionate youth development practitioner and activist, Selamolela participates in various youth initiatives aimed at empowering young people in the province. This he does in both his official and personal capacities. In his personal capacity he is a resident contributor and advisor to various youth development organisations. These include Aganang Youth Development Organisation, Capricorn District Youth Development Network and Blouberg Youth Forum.
He also supports youth economic initiatives such as Menotosi Multi-Purpose Cooperative, a non-governmental organisation of young people in agriculture based in the Ephraim Mogale area, and Zebediela Fresh Chickens which is a youth led poultry project based in Lepelle-Nkumpi.
In July, he formed part of the youth delegation that represented South Africa at the annual Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (Brics) Youth Summit in Guwahatti, India.
The summit focused on an array of issues, including skills development, entrepreneurship, social inclusions, youth volunteerism and youth participation in governance. “I was good to represent my country and the province and I learned a lot from other youth developers,” Selamolela said.
Selamolela is an academic of note, he holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Limpopo as well as a post graduate diploma in Health Promotion with specific interest on youth and adolescent health. He was also conferred the degree B Cur by the University of Limpopo.
“Education is important and I am happy with all my qualifications. As leaders we must lead by example and show young people education is the way to go. I want young people to stay away from drugs and alcohol and focus on their studies,” he said.
Story and photo: Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert@mailbox.co.za
Featured photo: Donald Selamolela, Director Youth Development Directorate at the Office of the Premier and recent recipient of a South African Men’s Award for Best Youth Developer.
